Continue to Site >>>

Taste Tracker

Pat Cobe

Every week, Senior Menu Editor Pat Cobe takes a look at the latest new menu news from major chains and menu trends. The column features extensive work from RB Art Director Nico Heins on a visual presentation.

Food

New year, new chicken specials at KFC, Biscuitville and El Pollo Loco

 By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 04, 2024

Taste Tracker: Winter specials warm up Bonefish Grill; Dunkin’ and Salt & Straw chill out; MOD Pizza and Papa Johns tout new pies; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Cracker Barrel, Cowboy Chicken and Logan's Roadhouse send out holiday feasts

 By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 14, 2023

Taste Tracker: Ruby Slipper and Burgerville feed the morning crowd; drink it up at Mellow Mushroom and Sip Fresh; Insomnia and Pinkbox sweeten the day; and more menu news of the week.

Food

BJ's, Maggiano's and Firebirds go all in for the holidays

By Patricia Cobe on Dec. 07, 2023

Taste Tracker: White Castle riffs on sliders; the Double Decker Taco returns to Taco Bell; shades of red at Modern Market; new global sauces for Quizno’s and Sweetfin; and Playa Bowls adds seasonal spirit to the menu.

Food

Red Lobster, Burgerville and CPK make a subtle nod to the holidays

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 30, 2023

Taste Tracker: Krispy Kreme rushes into Christmas; cocktails make a splash at Bonefish and Ted’s Montana Grill; comfort foods rule at Tender Greens; and wings take flight at Pei Wei.

Food

Golden Corral, Cracker Barrel, Maggiano's and more trot out Turkey Day specials

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 16, 2023

Taste Tracker: Restaurants bring it on for Thanksgiving, offering family meals and large feasts for carrying out or dining in.

Food

Chicken drives R&D at Black Bear Diner, Velvet Taco and Piada

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 02, 2023

Taste Tracker: Marco’s Pizza pushes portability; California Fish Grill and Slim Chickens innovate bowls; Thanksgiving flavors trend at Dog Haus and Baskin Robbins; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Popeyes, Cicis and Elevation Burger riff on flavor

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 26, 2023

Taste Tracker: Ruth’s Chris pairs up favorites; Newk’s menu gets meatier; bundles for football fans at Bar Louie; and more menu news of the week.

Food

Burger King, Sonic and Nekter scare up specials for Halloween

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 19, 2023

Taste Tracker: Black Tap does a spooky shake; Wayback gets ghoulish with burgers; Jack-O-Lanterns glow at Paris Baguette and Papa Murphy’s; and lots more frightening menu news.

Food

Dog Haus, Jimmy John's and Firehouse Subs innovate between the bread

By Patricia Cobe on Oct. 12, 2023

Taste Tracker: Lou Malnati’s and Portillo’s tag team a pizza; drive-thru steaks to go at Aussie Grill; Legal Sea Foods hosts an oyster fest; and Shake Shack tests sundaes.

Food

Bowls take the spotlight at KFC, Ruby Slipper, Honeygrow and Freebirds

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 28, 2023

Taste Tracker: The Melting Pot celebrates Oktoberfest; Auntie Anne’s sweetens pretzel nuggets; IHOP goes all in on waffles; and Zaxby’s does a chicken Philly.

  • Page 1